"We thought we'd have to teach our son about the world. Turns out we have to teach the world about our son. They see a boy who cannot speak. We see a miracle who doesn't need words." -unknown

Friday, August 26, 2011

I Am the Disabled Child

I am the Disabled Child

I am the child who cannot talk.You often pity me. I see it in your eyes.You wonder how much I am aware of...I see that as well.I am aware of much...whether you are happy or sad or fearful,patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if you are just doing your duty to me.I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater, for I cannot express myself nor my needs as you do.You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times.I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated.I do not give you answers to your everyday questions,responses over my well-being, sharing my needs,or comments about the world around me.I do not give you rewards as defined by the world's standards...great strides in development that you can credit yourself.I do not give you understanding as you know it.What I give you is so much more valuable...I give you instead opportunities.Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine;the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience,your abilities; the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible.I drive you further than you ever go on your own,working harder, seeking answers to your many questions,creating questions with no answers.I am the child who cannot talk.

I am the child who cannot walk.The world sometimes seems to pass me by.You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair,to run and play like other children.There is much you take for granted.I want the toys on the top shelf.I need to go to the bathroom...oh...I've dropped my spoon again!I am dependent on you in these ways.My gift to you is to make you aware of your great fortune,your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself.Sometimes people appear not to notice me; I always notice them.I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright, to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent.I give you awareness.I am the child who cannot walk.

I am the child who is mentally impaired.I don't learn easily, if you judge me by the world's measuring stick.What I do know is infinite joy in the simple things.I am not burdened as you are with the strifes and conflicts or a more complicated life.My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child,to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love.I give you the gift of simplicity.I am the child who is mentally impaired.

I am the disabled child.

I am your teacher.If you allow me, I will teach you what is really important in life.I will give you and teach you unconditional love.I give you my innocent trust, my dependency upon you.I teach you respect for others and their uniqueness.I teach you about the sanctity of life.I teach you about how very precious life is and about not taking things for granted.I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams.I teach you giving.Most of all, I teach you Hope and Faith.

Scott, my amazing husband!!!!!!

We have been married for 28 years and I have fallen in love with him more and more each day. I can't imagine living this journey without him, he is my rock. I'm thankful that he has stuck by me through thick and thin. I thank God for him everyday. I love you, Scott!! Thank you for being such an awesome husband and Dad to our children.

Morgan, 25yrs

What a beautiful, sweet, caring, talented compassionate human being. Morgan is a breath of sunshine. She always puts others before herself. I love how she doesn't hesitate to tell others about God. She is growing up to be a very mature young lady.

Emily, 23yrs.

How could we get so lucky to have you as a daughter. You have always gone out of your way to help with Noah. You never complain when we ask you to help out. With that we are so grateful. You are so loving and always put others before yourself. You are growing up to be such a beautiful person.

Noah, 19 yrs.

Our Little Hero

What a blessing to have around. He always has a smile and his laugh is truly contagious. He is such a brave little boy. He has gone through so much in his life time, more than most people go through in a lifetime. For that he is our hero. We love how he looks up at us with the biggest smile that his eyes disappear. He doesn't say a word but, we know he loves us.

We are truly thankful that God chose us to be Mom, Dad and sisters to such a miracle.